Handbook on Standard Nomenclature of Diseases and Operations

The chief aim of this handbook is to present in simple form the basic principles of terminology and a brief analysis of nomenclature. This booklet can be easily carried in the pocket and should be of special value to the intern and resident. Nothing concerned with the nomenclature of diseases and operations is more important than that an acceptable standard be compiled and used. Unfortunately, differences of opinion among experts and changing concepts of disease necessitate constant reevaluation and revision so that, although we may approach a fixed standard, we can never really achieve it. Insofar as a standard of nomenclature furthers the elimination of obsolete terms and the use of preferred terms on the widest possible scale it will have accomplished a worthy purpose.

As stated in this handbook, "in recording a diagnosis, the physician should make certain (1) that his statement is specific and complete, (2) that he